Vaping In The News covers nicotine, smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, harm reduction, tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies & more worldwide.
The largest threat to Public Health is an informed consumer.
They ALL lied ~ Peddlers of Ignorance ~ US Surgeon General is an educated idiot ~ The “Vape Apocalypse” is still the law. Only legislation can change that ~ Will Trump Stop the FDA’s May 11 Vape Apocalypse? ~ Azar Promises Streamlined PMTA Approval for Small Vape Businesses ~ Where Did Underage Vapers Get E-Cigs ~ WHO Vape Report Misleading ~ E-cigarettes: how risky are they?
They ALL lied
“No compound that could be linked to EVALI was found in the two nicotine products tested.“
“Our laboratory was the first to identify vitamin E acetate in vaporizer fluids recovered from pulmonary injury patients, which we promptly reported to officials of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and public health officials from numerous states via conference call and via e-mail on August 19, 2019…”
Authorities were aware of the true cause of CALIE (#CDC-associated lung injury epidemic) as early as August. Then they spent 6 months spinning it into a hate frenzy against the #harmless#vaping alternative to #smokinghttps://t.co/at2JsjHf5E
I do like to keep you informed, but please, do not read this on an empty stomach.
As the latest report on smoking in the U.S. was written, vetted, and phamaceutically (yes I made that up) approved, the idiot wasted no time in a speech covering the report he didn’t write by exclaiming – or explaining – jury’s still out – to the country:
“I didn’t even knowuntil this report came out that you can add as much as 10 years — a decade — to your life expectancy by quitting smoking,” he said.
I’ve asked this a gazillion times: At what age is a “smoker” considered a “smoker”? (I was 9 when I started, by 11 or so I was pretty well set in my ways… )
By Jerry’s standards, “teens” who quit smoking (with vaping or any other product) is beneficial regardless of how long they’ve smoked, or their age.
Please note my response to the idiots tweet, and of course, Dr. Sheila Vakharia’s as well.
Azar Promises Streamlined PMTA Approval for Small Vape Businesses
This, with an audio interview, is interesting. I’ve quoted, in part, a piece of what HHS Secretary Azar stated:
“We’re working with small businesses & the vaping association to actually create pathways that would streamline approval for the open tank small vape shop based products” … of course, Jim McDonald covers it all below.
I stole this one directly from our friends at Vapers.org.UK…. and I should not have to type Dr. RODU’s name more than once, but I will… (are you new here)?
Dr. Rodu is on this…. and explains:
“Unsurprisingly, underage teen vapers were mainly motivated by curiosity (50%). That may be a response to the FDA’s poorly crafted vaping epidemic ad campaign………….”
Globally, they’ve run out of ideas, the vitamin E acetate isn’t working out to their advantage… and by that, I mean the wheels on the bus go round and round, rehashing old clickbait – into new clickbait sounds appealing.
Vaping In The News covers nicotine, smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, harm reduction, tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies & more worldwide.
African Experts Explain Their Challenges in Reducing Tobacco Harms ~ Panel Examines Youth Vaping ‘Epidemic,’ Overlooks Real Threats ~ United Vapers Alliance ~ Dead-End | NYU Scientist Puts ‘Gateway Theory’ to Rest ~ Considerations related to vaping as a possible gateway ~ This Is My Fight Song ~ Vapers Need Not Apply ~ JUUL Founder Pummeled in Hearing ~ If You Vape (Illicit Street Drugs), It May Kill You (Duh) ~ WHO Ignores Evidence
African Experts Explain Their Challenges in Reducing Tobacco Harms
The Vaping In The News (VITN) bylaws must be adhered to.
Considerations related to vaping as a possible gateway into cigarette smoking: an analytical review
The existence of any true gateway effect has not been clearly demonstrated, due to limited control for confounding factors.
Even if there is an effect (…) any effect on smoking prevalence will probably be quite small, and general considerations suggest that any overall population health impact of introducing e-cigarettes is still likely be beneficial.
E-cigarettes are "becoming a real danger to public health… And they pose risks associated with metals in aerosols and carbon monoxide that harm the heart and lungs."
— Charles A. Gardner, PhD (@ChaunceyGardner) August 1, 2019
WHO Ignores Evidence
If you don’t believe the World Health Organization (WHO) doesn’t convince, connive, or influence policies globally, then you’re living under a rock. Oh, and Dave Cross… yes…
Vaping In The News covers nicotine, smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, harm reduction, tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies & more worldwide.
Global Forum on Nicotine Asserts Urgency of Tobacco Harm Reduction ~ 10 Things I Learned From the Global Forum on Nicotine 2019 ~ Pushed by Federal Court, FDA Releases PMTA Guidance ~ VTA Responds To PMTA Final Guidance ~ Tobacco’s ‘Special Friend’: What Internal Documents Say About Mitch McConnell ~ In praise of Dr Marewa Glover ~ Criminalizing E-Cigarettes — Perpetuating the Spiral of Poverty Smokers: Step Away From the Fire With These Safer Cigarette Substitutes ~ New Deeming threat as FDA loses court case to extremists
Global Forum on Nicotine Asserts Urgency of Tobacco Harm Reduction
“Essentially where they’re heading is to treat harm reduction products exactly the same as combustible tobacco. And I hate to say that they’re doing quite well with that agenda.”
Pushed by Federal Court, FDA Releases PMTA Guidance
Are you walking away from the fire, or directly towards it?
You’ve got less time to get your millions of dollars counted, stacked – and submission for each sku in – while dodging public health airstrikes from all corners of of their flat earth – to possibly be denied. Or accepted. Who knows. Either way, I’m not shutting up.
Vaping In The News covers nicotine, smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, harm reduction, tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies & more worldwide.
Is There a Role for E-Cigarettes in Smoking Cessation for Patients With Cancer? ~ The E-Cigarette Debate: What Counts as Evidence? ~ RCM Supports Vaping ~ Teen vapers are using eBay to dodge age restrictions – And cigarettes, too ~ How Big Is the So-Called Teen Vaping Epidemic? ~ The American Liars Association ~ Gang Related ~ Flavor Bans Are Good for Smoking
Is There a Role for E-Cigarettes in Smoking Cessation for Patients With Cancer?
I’d like to ask the question: Is there a reason this is a question?
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Teen vapers are using eBay to dodge age restrictions – And cigarettes, too
Imagine the ability of children™ to illegally obtain things they are not legally allowed to possesspurchase. We can’t blame eBay alone, I’m sure there are parents who are unaware of secret groups and sites all over the internet to gain access to illegal things. Illegally.
If you want to scare parents, think of Elvis. Loretta Lynn. George Carlin. The PMRC. When parents look for an excuse – any scapegoat is acceptable, really, except the children™ . Except the parents. When looking to change perceptions, you arm yourselves with children™ , duck behind them and aim directly toward anyone willing to be shocked and dismayed.
DON’T blame the children™ – and whatever you do, don’t blame the parents. {Insert other smart-ass comments from me here}.
Flavor Bans Are Good for Smoking
When someone stops smoking, food not only tastes better, sense of smell improves. The olfactory nerves from taste to smell are in overdrive within a few days.
You could take my word for it, or see their examples they themselves ignore:
Vaping In The News covers nicotine,
smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, harm reduction,
tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies &
more worldwide.
Do the properties of cinnamon change when it is present in e-cigarette liquids? ~ Busting myths about smoking ~ E-cigarette minimum legal sale age laws and traditional cigarette use among rural pregnant teenagers ~ Great news for tobacco farmers! ~ FDA Admits No Causality Between Vaping And Seizures ~ Tobacco stocks tumble as cigarette sales decline ~ While The World Vapes Our Government Chokes ~ Educating OUR Children ~ Vaping products and gang activity ~ Rats, low voltage and their testicles ~ Truth Manipulative
Do the properties of cinnamon change when it is present in e-cigarette liquids?
Dr Farsalinos explained in 2015 – it’s important as a reminder of “cell studies” and what they’re worth: “Don’t waste your time reading (at least most of) them” here.
Now, again… someone’s got some ‘splaining to do.
“Thus, cinnamaldehyde in the cinnamon-flavored liquids was not different from cinnamaldehyde present in food. In fact, if the observed effects are attributed to cinnamaldehyde, then cinnamaldehyde in food products must be equally toxic to endothelial cells.”
“which were not vaped, they were used in liquid form”
We now have results for key laws advocates promised would ‘protect’ teenagers. They don’t.
The authors of #T21 #Tobacco21 laws & legislation already KNOW THIS.
“2017, the first full year the 21 smoking age was in effect, was the first since the survey began 15 years ago that teenagers’ cigarette use failed to decline.”
“The doctor had the results but was perplexed. I can understand why. My lung capacity should have been a lot less than 41% in fact, it had increased dramatically to an amazing 82%.”
Vaping In The News covers nicotine, smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, harm reduction, tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies & more worldwide.
New Bill in Congress Would Destroy the Vape Industry ~ Bizarre FDA vaping retail restrictions more likely to do harm than good ~ Popcorn Lung, Formaldehyde, and Now Seizures, Oh My! ~ FDA Created the Youth Vaping Epidemic, Now It’s Doubling Down ~ Speaking of Frank Pallone ~ Tobacco Wars collateral damage: feature, not bug ~ US cigarette sales slump as vaping hits new heights ~ Nicotine replacement: when quitting cigarettes, consider using more nicotine, not less ~ In Approaching Nicotine, Let’s Learn From Past Harm Reduction Victories ~ Actual Tobacco Settlement Payments Received by the States (in millions)
New Bill in Congress Would Destroy the Vape Industry
Are you a business? Are you pissed off yet? Huh.
It’s possible Jim McDonald may raise your awareness – or at least your blood pressure. Not sure.
Popcorn Lung, Formaldehyde, and Now Seizures, Oh My!
Mad yet? Really? I’m not convinced, but our friend Lindsey might talk you down a bit. Or not. See, if you haven’t already tried to stop regulations, restricti… never mind.
FDA Created the Youth Vaping Epidemic, Now It’s Doubling Down
See, YOU know they did, and I know they did, and THEY know they did. That’s how it works. Now the country believes it. Have you called anyone or shown up to stop regulations, restricti… data, resea… Never mind. . .
Frank Pallone (D), New Jersey – he wants $100 million for you to not smoke. Frank is hiding behind children to regulate, restrict, tax and ban less smoking.
US cigarette sales slump as vaping hits new heights
So, you’d think this is good news for the industry, have you possibly – as a business owner – had a meeting with your local and state reps? Mayor? City council? BEFORE they fini…. well…
“Sales fell by 8.8% year on year…”
They’re almost acting like they’re having convuls seizures. It’s as if their funding depends on sales – so they have to regulate, restrict, tax, and ban… never mind.
Actual Tobacco Settlement Payments Received by the States (in millions)
A more up to date – sort of interactive source for your STATE Master Settlement AgreementRICO infested funds. (See the “”The Ponzi Scheme”: Master Settlement Agreement” section on the right blog.) This link cleverly goes to the state list, but note there are other sources included in this site to use when you take yourself to the city, county, and state you’re in business in… never mind.
Last, but certainly not least, I wasn’t joking when I covered the importance of businesses belonging to an, (one, any, multiple) organization(s) here. You don’t have to convince me – but belonging to a state or national group will help you prepa…. NEVER MIND.
It’s like the government is playing a game – saying to the industry: “Finish Him“.
Here, Fig explains a few things such as advertising and being louder. Without being rude.
Vaping In The News covers nicotine, smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, harm reduction, tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies & more worldwide.
Researchers Try Nicotine To Treat Memory Loss ~ Federal Communications Commission and the children™ ~ CDC Misleads by calling E-cigarettes a ‘Tobacco Product’ ~ Vape Radio ~ The Arrogance of Public Health Advocacy ~ Vaping Taxes ~ Vaping Hit by Double Tragedy ~ Respiratory Study Fail ~ Surgeon General Watch: Data, Snippets, and Narratives ~ Vaping in the Mic
Researchers Try Nicotine To Treat Memory Loss
More positive involvement using the word, (and the chemical) “nicotine”. This is good. This makes people who know better nervous. Excellent. More research I say! Think about it… if kids thought nicotine is good for you, they would avoid it like… oh never mind. I also secretly hope there is a use for those patches taking up shelf space.
Speaking of “The Children™”, ‘one’ Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to stop less harmful products being advertised because of no other reason: “even if they are targeted at kids”.
Meet Jessica Rosenworcel. Jessica is an “Impatient optimist. Mom, wife,” and of all things an “inveterate coffee drinker.” Huh.
CDC Misleads by calling E-cigarettes a ‘Tobacco Product’
No kidding. Already established abroad, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has incorrectly defined…. oh never mind. I am grateful for the American Council on Science and Health taking this on.
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Vape Radio
Vape Radio has had a fundraiser up for about a month. (I completely missed it!) In my opinion, Rod and his team are like this blog. They get the word out. They contribute to and talk about advocacy. They’re #LOUDER.
The Vaping Legion had him on here last week. If you are able to contribute, wonderful, If not, please share.
Let’s see… covered misleading, covered the children™. How about some arrogance? Are you like what is described as the “average American” who is “resentful toward those who tell him or her how to live”? So am I.
This is an eye-opening perspective from a Doctor, in proper form:
From across the pond, Dave Cross (another I admire) at Planet Of The Vapes has taken on the task of informing our community of two heartbreaking deaths.
Surgeon General Watch: Data, Snippets, and Narratives
As we slip into the third week of my one-man #SGWatch on Twitter, I took a harder look at what Dr. Adams says, and does, on his personal account – and what he doesn’t on his professional account as U.S. Surgeon General. Oh, and confusion. A general mess. That’s covered as well:
Then, because Mike started it, I spent over an hour on the 34th episode of Vaping and the Mic (and even showed my face) to discuss snippets, narratives and data…
Is access to public data an unreasonable request? What will the complete data reveal? Are snippets of data the best way to inform the public? If the full spectrum of the data is withheld, what is real, what is contrived?
“If you repeat a lieoften enough, it becomes the truth.”
The problem with research misconduct must be of epidemic proportions. So much so, the Department of Health and Human Services has its own division defining such misconduct called the Office of Research Integrity (ORI), and a definition of said misconduct.
“Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.”
“Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.”
It would seem all data would be required to have a clear picture of the information being displayed presented to make an informed case, decision, or outcome. The authority in charge has no business writing or promoting a narrative, when data can and shall speak for itself.
Instead, snippets become headlines, and headlines create the story narrative.
“If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth“
In the case of e-cigarettes, and the latest “data” on youth use, it is to present manipulate the claim of an ‘epidemic’ in order to willfully threaten legal adult choices, using snippets of data designed to “fit a narrative” as my friend, U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams has done, and has accused.
It’s backward. Snippets (subliminal or not) can sell ideas. Create campaigns. Change public opinion.
Mining for data can be useful. Depending on the criteria, displaying data to ones liking is misleading. Similar to Stanton Glantz below, that is propaganda.
Skewed data is…well, you can make anything look like you want it to look for your own purposes. I think I am afraid of both films Nicolas Cage appears in, and pools. Why? I’m not sure what I’m afraid of, Nicolas Cage isn’t his real name, but looking at data tells me I should… Oh never mind.
In this blog, I will attempt to demonstrate two things. First, the following tweets and subtweets can be confusing. Second, if I can post things in here properly and explain, you won’t be confused. Either way, they are snippets, and you’ll probably be confused.
It started with (well, not really, I’m using my interpretation of the data) a question to the highest “ranking” Medical Doctor from Mike Peterson:
In this tweet, the Surgeon General clearlyseems to has “doubts” that Mike “really wanted this information”. Surgeon General Adams must not look away from his snippets accomplishments on his “I love me” wall and must be suspicious of anyone questioning his integrity my snippet. Shame on you, Mike!
Oh, I think Mike wanted the information. That’s alright, Dr. Adams. You don’t require my assurance adults are looking harder than you are for any detrimental outcomes of any facet of e-cigarettes.
It’s not as if we’re a large and growing community of consumers including Doctors like yourself, Lawyers, Teachers, Nurses, Statisticians, Scientists, Cooks, Truck Drivers, and other professionals, along with lovers of data and science. And math. In fact, one of us is a… nope… my narrative, so further down the data hole you go.
I’ll insert a quick snippet from my personal life. The words from a Neurologist to my wife was:
“We’re setting up testing for onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
Is that a snippet of a much greater assessment? Can you discern from the quote she, in fact, has Alzheimer’s or dementia? Do you have enough data to make the determination? You really don’t know. I’m saving it for a different blog.
Note the words ” in the interest of correcting misunderstandings”. Misunderstandings are snippets, Dr. Adams. Vape shops aren’t included in “this” analysis is correct, by stating “equally high violation rate”, you overstepped your ego, data, or knowledge, position narrative.
I know I said I wasn’t going to comment but in the interest of correcting misunderstandings, this looked at retail chains. Most all vape shops are independent, so they aren’t included in this analysis- but fact is some independent vape shops have an equally high violation rate.
— Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) February 9, 2019
He’s right. Snippet. The statement just above was “they aren’t included in this analysis” and “shops have an equally high violation rate“, and refers to this graphic he posted below:
I proudly show you my snippet! Go ahead, click on it, it’ll enlarge.
Because he was prompted by – anyone’s comments – and saw my amateur hour cut/paste of his just above, below he explains how narrative and roles to play suddenly are important. His data went from “equally high violation rate” to some vape shops. Also, he displays his knack of interacting with the public quite… well, I’ll let you come to your own conclusions. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
“It’s easy to cut & paste snippets”…because the whole picture isn’t a narrative, I just couldn’t let that one go. If data and information is explained properly, there is no need for “snippets”. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
Here, I’m not sure if he’s being condescending on purpose, or if he just doesn’t know he’s tweeting to a known impugner. I am also an uneducated “backwards backwoodsman from one of the colonies.” (Thanks, Alan, I knew that would come in handy eventually! ) Oh, go on, there’s something I was determined to take out of context. Damn me. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
To further reiterate his position snippet, he grabs some more data from his cuff and explains some gibberish about technical stuff I probably wouldn’t understand anyway… something about this does look like a high ranking public health official explaining a snippet narrative, maybe it’s just me. We’ve gone from … well, this data thing just isn’t my forte’.
Well, Mike (he’s mentioned above), and Jake got data. In fact, they mined the data. Turns out twenty-one money penalties were assessed. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
To “That Damned Ninga, he agrees. Vape shops are “doing much better”… he also wants everyone else to agree. I often forget I’m constantly asked to agree with something because it will fit a narrative. I wonder what happens when the public just nods their head in agreement when a public official says to. Couldn’t be all bad, I suppose. Either way, he wants everyone to agree. By golly, I’m almost going to agr…. nope. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
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Trusting the highest doctor in the land to provide competent, well-constructed answers to convey issues with facts, when he, in fact, won’t do it seems futile. Instead, he has chosen to act on authority, instinct, and sticks to the data (dammit) script.
“If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.”
Then, addressing (you and me) the public as if we’re a bunch of nine-year-olds is pretty – well, idiotic. Starting at about the time I could talk, I’ve questioned authority and integrity a long time. Pre-loaded answers come with loaded questions where I come from – the backwoods of one of the original colonies.
In fact, I’ll use your “It’s easy to cut & paste snippets” own sarcastic words against you, Dr. Adams. Also, I have repeatedly asked for data. So much so, it’s redundant, repetitive and repeats itself. It should, could, may, might or even would, speak for itself.
The reason I keep asking the same questions over and over?
Dr. Adams own words:
In the meantime, if you’re approaching a city, township, county, or state hearing about sales to minors, or that vape shops are contributing to the delinquency of minors, I highly suggest these two graphics to use at your disposal, just as the Heart, Lung, Cancer, and other healthorganizations will. Let them sort it out with facts, not preconceivednotions and media sound bitessnippets (dammit) data.
Here’s the chart from Jake Jacobsen: According to data, if you click on it, it’ll get bigger!
Here is the chart alone from Mike Peterson: Yep, click:
Bring your nose a bit closer to the screen – at a second glance, this is what you may have missed: Wait, back up, just click!
The overall narrative is to put big scary numbers out, fueling the fire of an epidemic. I (we, vapers paying attention) want the truth. I don’t for one minute think any of us want anything less, good or bad. We’re adults, we can take the snippets data.
When looking at inspections just above, there is no “epidemic”, and the fact is, in 2018:
There were 146,376 inspections.
There were 17,456 total violations
Of 17,456 violations, 2,060 were “ends and e-liquid.
Of those violations, 229 were vape shops. (Vape shops: STOP that.)
Things that make you go hmmmm…..
And Juul? If you believe their “epidemic” data, Vuse was the front runner of underage sales violations at 1,729… so, they should have at least tried harder at purchasing Juul to complete the narrative.
Silly data makers. Go ahead, scroll back up if you need to. I’ll wait.
Sounds as if you’re still confused. I apologize for torturing you, but I feed a mouse cheese just to do my math for me.
This an enforcement issue all the way around. Underage sales at vape shops are NOT a contributing factor to an epidemic, which is still a snippet of the overall message portrayed. Kids stealing from their parents like they did cigarettes? Probably. Straw purchases? Likely.
Illegal sales – meeting the “definition” of an ‘epidemic’? Doubtful.
Snippet alert:
Found in my previous “Nod In Agreement” blog here.
“If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.”
On to the “epidemic”.
If, after reading this blog, you are still confused, I will conclude, from snippets, and so shall you, that confusion is intentional. The snippet below is a confusing mess, by design. The bottom right tweet on his personal account, in a “non-official” capacity, was just a few days before he announced as Surgeon General there indeed “is” an epidemic. I hope we can all agree, the data is in the contrived details. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
“Morals are standards set by those who want their standards met by others.”
I don’t want situational ethics, nor do I want morals and feelings mixed into the narrative. Here is what I want. I want the law to be obeyed. I want parents to be aware, not act on “reefer madness” type propaganda, and ultimately, parents to parent.
Specifically, I want the data to speak for itself. Both for adults looking for a safer alternative to smoking, and the narrative of an “epidemic” to be scrutinized, specifically when a public HEALTH official is threatening adult choices for less harmful products – unless we agree with his narrative. Jim McDonald says it best.
We won't tell smokers that vaping is safer until a few vapers on Twitter admit that a large increase in occasional use constitutes an epidemic of addiction.
No kidding, that's exactly what he's saying. It's a threat, and it's not appropriate for a public health official. https://t.co/5k0IMDiSmr
Unless you suffer from cognitive dissonance, I want the data as it stands, not as it fits my narrative “out of context” with some silly twitter snippets, Dr. Adams. I don’t want to hear about plausible deniability. I don’t want proof by assertion. Confirmation bias is unnecessary.
I want the public to be aware of the best information available rather than striking panic in the streets.
So, what’s the snippet? What’s the truth? Still confused? So are adults looking for answers to a less harmful alternative.
“If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.”
I am a consumer, while I try to be a voice for consumers, I don’t speak for “all” consumers. I have a higher standard for medical and government officials. The Surgeon General of the United States (or any public official) should not rely on “googlesearches” (in a personal or public capacity) to fill a narrative.
In my assessment, Dr. Adams should post facts. Period.
Snippet Alert!
The Surgeon General should resign or be fired. Immediately. That’s my narrative. That’s my snippet.
With that, no high ranking publicemployee official has no business writing, or tweeting, or sharing an opinion, or narrative, when data shall speak for itself.
I’ll stick to my guns, check on my wife, and keep my #SGWatch up to see when comprehensive information to adults has been displayed with half the attention the ‘epidemic’ has received.
I’ll readily and publicly admit I’m wrong, but until that happens, Dr. Adams has to answer these questions concerning the ‘epidemic’:
What users were of legal age?
What users didn’t use nicotine?
How many were smoking & switched?
Why is marijuana included with “any vaping“?
Why is “use” defined as in the past thirty days, not daily?
Until that happens, I’ll keep pointing out discrepancies in the narrative of an alleged epidemic, or one of you can convince me why I shouldn’t.
For balance, after the release of and tagging him in this blog: (Coincidence? Doesn’t matter. Snippets.)
Important study, with important caveats: 1) This was done in UK (diff legal/ regulatory environment) in motivated quitters who presented to clinic & 2) trial accompanied meds with behavioral support -> so was Cadillac scenario 3) OK for adults DOESNT mean ecigs are safe for kids.
— Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) February 13, 2019
Oh, that’s right, I’ve got that screenshot snippet from a Dr. Girgis… wait a second… it’s… Yes, legal and regulatory environments. That’s right. No guidelines. Except when.
Snippet alert: showing “restraint”.
I highly recommend what Clive Bates has to say on the alleged U.S. “epidemic“.
THIS one is an eye-openingmust-read for ANY aspect of public health. Your opinions aren’t about your needs. Stop being nannies.
“The average American is like my patient: resentful toward those who tell him or her how to live.”
Dr. Gottlieb of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tweeted “e-cigs can help currently addicted adult smokers quit; and improve their health.” If you had internet connection issues yesterday, it may have been jolting shocks of horror from ‘experts’ seeing what he tweeted.
This isn’t the first reference to less harm, Dr. Gottlieb has passivelystated in the past: “If you could take every adult smoker and fully switch them to e-cigarettes, that would have a substantial public health impact”. He’s also stated:
“E-cigarettes may present an important opportunity for adult smokers to transition off combustible tobacco products and onto nicotine delivery products that may not have the same level of risks associated with them.” (Source)
That’s pretty big news no one is hearing over the incessant chanting from others. If a “substantial public health impact” is a goal, Dr. Gottlieb will have to speak up. (I can barely hear him.) How about, oh – I don’t know, maybe a press conference with a mandatory presence of the alleged “health leaders” for a start.
Dr. Gottlieb will have to speak up if a “substantial public health impact” is a goal:
In the four years (hard to believe, today) since the release of the results of my consumer survey, I have finally seen a credible and official statement saying “e-cigs can help currently addicted adult smokers quit; and improve their health.” from the Commissioner of the FDA.
This isn’t a secret. No one is listening. It’s something consumers have said all along.
I can’t be so arrogant to believe these tweets came from my urging, but I was shocked to read what Dr. Gottlieb said. Maybe he isn’t using his (this is funny) mute button! I’m skeptical, he’s at least tweeted it – with a comment about improving health. Twice. Vape shops are not permitted to say that. In my book, it’s better than a poke in the eye.
I can’t ask for… Wait, if the goal of reducing smoking is the goal, I’ll expect much more.
In my excitement, I mistakenly linked the Surgeon General from his personal account on a few nudges. However, I included him in other tweets in his “official” capacity. So far, no reference to this new study has been made from his personal or official account.
No “health group” has mentioned Alex Azar’s statement below. This information is NOT foreign to Dr. Adams or Dr. Gottlieb. They were present when U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Alex Azar spoke these words:
Those ‘experts‘ I referred to above? The horror must’ve made them leave early to grab their favorite flavored Starbucks coffee. With Gottlieb making a statement like he did, I was eager to see if the American Heart, Lung, Cancer, or even Tobacco-Free Kids may, might, or could have mentioned it.
In conducting a quick general twitter search for the article link and found –ZERO– mentions from those organizations front groups. So much for a public health impact.
If smoking is “the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world”… and all “health” organizations are about health, and improving health, then why does my pal DrMA below need to raise awareness of their omission a day after Gottlieb’s statement …
The headlines are wonderful, the truth is the average number of attempts for a smoker to stop is 30. The success rates of gums and patches are about 7%. The average success of e-cigarettes is 70% (low end), or more, and they know it, government funded research proves it. Downplaying it, giving it no attention isn’t informing the public. That doesn’t improve health.
Change The Conversation
It’s time for public health and politicians to make a decision:
They want less smoking, or they don’t.
They want less harm, or they don’t.”
CALL THEM OUT
If making public health a priority and “improving health” is their goal… With all we do know, EVERY single township, official, city, who have regulated, restricted or banned 18, 19, and 20-year-olds from less harm and choice should be questioned – having an opportunity to explain themselves.
EVERY news outlet should be screaming about improving health with e-cigarettes, and interviewing every single township, official, city, health group and expert in the area who restricted or banned those choices.
Consumers (like me) take it upon themselves to blog, tweet, write their representatives out of passion and conviction. If I’m doing it wrong, I’m willing to learn.
This just happened. At least that’s what I heard. This is 2019. (“Hi, Fig”!)
These are the types of thing you may not be aware you, as a business, giving smokers a healthier option, are up against:
Careen is responding to my “Vape Shop” photo. I imagine she’s being engaged with. Link.
It’s time for vape shops/industry to make a decision as well.
I know, love, and respect some business owners who are fighting by themselves for their customers, and future customers, either through a local or state industry organizations. If you’re not aware, you’re not doing yourselves any favors.
If you are in business giving smokers a healthier alternative to smoking and don’t change the conversation quickly with local, state and national lawmakers…… ahh, who am I to say what you should do. After all, it is your business.
I would read about this (here and here, or listen to this man and act accordingly with any representatives about youth, adult choices less harmful products, and more here:
The Surgeon General wants everyone to nod in agreement on some things. While some of you may, some of you may want to turn your head – as I’ll be taking a different approach for this blog. Let the record show, I’m being *nice.
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams,(MD) decided to clarify all things youth, e-cigarettes, and ‘epidemic’ on his personal Twitter account.
(All tweets below and his account are found here, or in replies, here)
I found it intriguing (as did others) he would take this route. Of course, a disclaimer on his personal twitter feed states, for safety: “Tweets/RT don’t represent endorsement or my employer.”
There is no valid reason to threaten (adult) access to vaping products. There is no valid reason to threaten small businesses providing smokers the option of less harm.
Why is there is a risk of restricting, taxing, or banning less smoking in any form.
“Applying this proportion to the 2018 data would suggest about 4% of high school students are daily users (this compares to the headline 20.8% use in the past 30-days).”
WARNING: The following could, may, or might contain any or all of the following from Dr. Jerome Adams.
This was before the official announcement on Dec. 18th.
I thought teachers and parents couldn’t… but they’re everywhere… Think of the children™…
“Hard to obtain”
“Hard to use around adults”
“Few youth use any nicotine product (even cigarettes) daily”
( I thought they were “easy to conceal”, hiding them in plain site?)
🎯 Instead, let’s use past 30-day use as a better metric, showing “potential” to teachers and parents. Not only does it sound contrived, inflated potential is also scary.
While you ponder your denial of an epidemic coming up over the course of this blog, bring your nose closer to the screen. Sound out the words. Take your time. I had to!
🎯 Seeming indifference and denial is the biggest threat (not youth use).
Out of context, he’s referring to patches and other methods here.
🎯 1st tweet: Complete denial of the epidemic is the biggest threat to adult access. Complete denial. Huh.
🎯 2nd tweet: 30 day use (remember above) is a definitivemedically defined epidemic.
Again, below the “constant denial” is the biggest threat to less harm.
🎯 The second of the two is one of my favorite tweets. Feelings VS definitions on 30 day use.
Medical Definition of Epidemic:
“The occurrence of more cases of a disease than would be expected in a community or region during a given awareness.. A sudden severe outbreak of a disease such as SARS.” (Link)
The Carnival Barker’s definition of an “epidemic”
🎯 “If folks can’t accept using official medical / health definitions, then we can’t have a real discussion”. “
Medical Definition of Epidemic: The occurrence of more cases of a disease than would be expected in a community or region during a given time period. A sudden severe outbreak of a disease such as SARS. (Link)
🎯 Referring to an “epidemic” is a play on the word as an adjective, not as a noun. The bias of the definition “interpret data accordingly” and “metrics” – referring to 30-day use rather than ‘daily use’, as Clive described above, is propaganda.
Here, the “Primary threat” isn’t “him” or most public health advocates… it’s YOU.
🎯 He’s trying to help.
I’ll let you see the 3rd for yourself. Go on, now. Don’t be afraid.
Here’s sadly what happens when lack of information, education and contrived panics occur.
HE’s not talking about….limiting access.
🎯 Well – then there’s balance. But good luck!
On the third in this set, feelings, (not science or data) are bigger threat than anything he could ever say.
Below, his statement on the first tweet: vaping products work, but lack of balance is coming from “national sentiment”. Wait, sentiment is “an attitude, thought, or judgment prompted by feeling”.
The second, it seems what he posts is what the nation feels, or agrees with.
🎯 (Lots of obvious feelings, *oops I meant “science” in that Google alert on the third.) *I’m being nice.
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🎯 Now, he’s clear. Education and awareness . Can’t do much about the feelings of parents and communities. It’s out of his hands.
2nd: ALL must say and do their part to preserve this option. Huh.
Third, good luck (again!!!)
🎯 This ‘existential threat’ — is because of “continual refusal to acknowledge” thing is really… *getting on my nerves. (*I’m being nice.)
Trying to be funny with a pun. Uh oh, parents and teachers again.
WHAT are YOU doing to help?
🎯 I’m very *relieved the Surgeon General is not basing his findings on feelings. Wait! We can all work together. Uh oh, feelings are in the mix. Then, it’s not a threat. (*I’m being nice.)
Parents and teachers…. a showdown, and needing more acknowledgement is apparent.
🎯 In fact, we all need to work together, or there will be NO OTHER CHOICE from parents, communities, teachers to push for elimination.
Acknowledgement again.
1st tweet below – the reference (out of context) is about approved methods to quit smoking here, but is true for vaping products (and mentioned) as well.
Second – well… *careful what you threaten, above you said “the threat isn’t from Government”. (*I’m being nice.)
On the 1st below, as a consumer, I expect you to do your *job. The fact becomes opinion. (*I’m being nice.)
On the 2nd, the ‘debate’ is contrived by effort, not real interest. Name calling. Appropriate or not, public official: feelings. If feelings are hurt, please see here, or here…
🎯 On the third, it isn’t lessened, the chances of being “heard” remain the same.
🎯 The 1st below – “respectfully you still aren’t listing to (or ignoring)”
2nd: “lessens chances….”
🎯 3rd: I will keep calling a contrived set of monthly numbers a fraudulent and fabricated epidemic.
Finally a bit more of the feelings and name calling – meh. You are a public official.
For “credibility” the Surgeon General states publicly:
🎯 1/3rd youth who vape are vaping marijuana”.
Wait, the monthly ‘epidemic’ numbers are 1/3rd marijuana use? Wait, one-third of the monthly numbers are not “nicotine”? And “advocates” are expected, threatened and almost demanded to “acknowledge concern” and *admit there’s a problem? (*I’m being nice.)
The office of the Surgeon General states “Surgeon General provides Americans with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.”
(*Updated* 1/29) In the duties of providing the “best scientific information available”, this is where he doesn’t in his role as Surgeon General.
Stated in one of the tweets above “complete switch to ecigs better than smoking many times”. So far, the Surgeon General has chosen to “dutifully”, unequivocally, with prejudice, advocate the regulation, restriction, tax, and ban of what is a far less harmful product.”
I once admired “authority figures”. I presumed I was always being told the truth by those holding offices, titles, and degrees. Then, by accident, I didn’t smoke anymore. Slowly, over time, I’ve found appearances, power, prestige, fancy titles, and proof by assertion from those in charge – *demand respect rather than earning or deserving it. (*I’m being nice.)
For me to subscribe to anyone coerced into submission, I’ll need to see facts first. In fact, I am concerned and want answers. In fact, I’ve been asking for answers. In fact, if I saw a concern:
In fact, to suggest “vapers” are not concerned or to accuse anyone of “not listening” or ignoring anything is *unprofessional and *childish. (*I’m being nice.)
I’ve been asking, and addressing this concern for some time.
Funny you *mention “indifference”. Along with others you are *berating, I have been “concerned”. (*I’m being nice.)
I asked the UCSF Children’s Medical Center for data.
In June of 2017I inquired with American Academy of Pediatrics President Collen Kraft.
In November 2018, I asked the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
For me, to “work” *together”, I’ll need to see more than claims of children consistently being “treated” for “nicotine addiction” and diagnosis of “brain damage” by pediatricians. I don’t find my request wanting case studies, data, progress, outcomes, results “unreasonable”. With a ‘meteoric’ rise, surely, these studies must exist. (*I’m being nice.)
I’ll need to see groups of children stealing patches and gums from Walgreens to get their nicotine. Those can be hidden from adults to satisfy the alleged “uncontrollable craving, seeking, and use of” nicotine in any and all forms.
“You don’t see nicotine junkies breaking into Walgreens to steal nicotine gum” ~ Aaron Biebert
So far, I’ve seen an orchestrated coordinated effort to convince the public of things that are *not true. (*I’m being nice.)
“You should fight for your lives and your health. It is absolutely irresponsible and dangerous behavior to ban e-cigarettes.”
~ Dr. Farsalinos
Added 012/06/2019:
From November 30th: “E-cigs and vaping as harm reduction not inherently a problem (though we need to continue research to ensure overall & max harm reduction)”………..
This is the only tweet I can see offhand worth its salt, and it is on his personal account, not the Surgeon General account.
Fig said it best:
🎯 “I blame Scott Gottleib and Jerome Adams & the multitude of other “leaders” of healthcare for their misinformation campaigns against vapor, for such vile lies that are coming out of our public health agencies. It’s zero wonder why public trust is fading.”
🎯 “Thousands of American vapor businesses are at risk of closing their doors & filing bankruptcy, because of the antics of Scott Gottleib & Jerome Adams.”
“Never stop fighting for what’s right”
~ Agent Ania
“If you see vaping consumer advocates constantly ranting on, it’s because we are trying to stop you lot fucking it up.”
~ Sarah Jakes
There’s only one solution – Unity and aggression.
~ECF, Oliver Kershaw
Let the record show, I’m being nice. Let parents and teachers do their jobs. I’ll suggest you man up and step up, or step aside, Dr. Adams. Otherwise, I’m a couple times behind on telling you to *kiss my ass. (*I’m being nice.)
This blog, because she liked snark, is dedicated to AgentAnia.
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